Knowledge and attitudes toward condom use--do they predict behavior among Filipino Americans?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Adolescents and young adults are a key demographic for HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
• Understanding cultural factors influencing health behaviors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Filipino-American adolescents and young adults.
• To identify factors associated with condom use in this population.
• To inform the development of culturally relevant AIDS prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 211 Filipino-American adolescents and young adults in Los Angeles County.
• Data collected included HIV knowledge, attitudes towards condom use, self-efficacy, peer norms, and self-reported condom use.
• Statistical analysis explored relationships between various factors and condom use.

Main Results:

• High levels of HIV knowledge and condom self-efficacy were reported.
• A majority held peer norms supportive of condom use.
• More than half of sexually active respondents used condoms at last intercourse.
• Demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes, and peer norms were not significantly related to condom use.
• Only higher self-efficacy and carrying condoms approached statistical significance.

Conclusions:

• Factors influencing AIDS risk behavior in non-Asian populations may not apply to Filipino-Americans.
• Future research should focus on identifying culturally specific determinants of AIDS risk behavior in Asian American populations.
• Culturally relevant AIDS prevention programs are needed for these communities.